3/31/25 - Insights
Hicks Johnson is a rapidly growing, Houston and Chicago-based law firm that pairs exceptional lawyers with sophisticated, challenging work. Our firm is known for taking on intellectually demanding matters that require fresh, creative thinking.
Founded in 2007 by litigators from top global firms, we offer a collaborative and flexible work environment where all input is valued and work/life balance is respected. As the firm continues to expand, we remain committed to the principle that has guided our hiring practices since day one: recruiting, developing, and retaining excellence at every level.
If you’d like to grow your career alongside a tight-knit group of outstanding legal professionals, drop us a line at careers@hicksjohnson.com.
Laterals
Today’s lawyers face unprecedented challenges—and opportunities. At Hicks Johnson, we are prepared to meet this moment. We seek exceptional early-career and lateral associates who share our goals and ideals. In return, we offer a dynamic and supportive culture where you can build an outstanding career, as well as top-tier compensation and benefits comparable with Am Law 50 firms—including the industry’s best parental leave policy.
Our associates are a vital part of every team and assume significant responsibility at the firm. You’ll attend depositions and try cases during your first year, giving you valuable opportunities to hone your trial skills. You’ll also benefit from close collaboration with partners and senior counsel, who invest significant time and energy into nurturing younger lawyers.
Because we thrive on innovation and initiative, we provide high-level coaching and training to lawyers looking to develop new business. Senior associates, partners, and counsel are encouraged to shape their practices according to their individual strengths and goals.
Associates say
I feel like I'm learning the craft of law. I'm constantly stimulated intellectually, which means a lot to me.
Less than three months after joining, I tried my first case at Hicks Johnson. I gave the opening statement and took half of the witnesses, including key cross-examinations of the other side's sole expert and one of the plaintiffs.
The partners are very invested in getting to know you both as a lawyer and as a person.
I have lots of opportunities to go to court. Conversely, I have friends at big firms who are at my level and still pushing papers.
The firm actually tries cases, which makes for a great learning experience.
I would stack the quality and sophistication of our work up against anyone.
People here are honest, ethical, and kind. They prioritize doing good work, and they value authenticity.
Lawyers say
A growing number of the very best lawyers are looking to balance their lives. Hicks Johnson has people who could work anywhere but choose to come to us.
I like being in an environment where there are lots of new ideas—being here is energizing. This is not a place with a ‘box.’ It's designed to inspire original thought.
The firm gave me the opportunity to develop a mediation and arbitration practice when I joined.
Clerks
Hicks Johnson actively recruits judicial clerks who are seeking a career in commercial litigation.
For aspiring trial lawyers, the benefits of completing a clerkship are second to none. The responsibility clerks assume during their terms is excellent preparation for real-life trial practice.
Our associates embody the same qualities judges prize in their clerks: autonomy, intellectual rigor, and exemplary research abilities. When you choose to join Hicks Johnson, you’ll be following in the footsteps of numerous former clerks who are now trial and appellate practitioners at the highest level. Our lawyers have clerked at:
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (Houston)
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Phoenix)
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Seattle)
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Denver)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas (Little Rock)
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Atlanta)
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Galveston)
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Houston)
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (Austin)
- Colorado Supreme Court
FAQs
Do you offer a clerkship bonus?
We recognize the value of the knowledge, skills, and perspectives acquired while clerking. Associates who have recently completed a clerkship at approved federal district and circuit courts or a state’s highest court receive a competitive bonus upon signing. Associates who have completed two or more clerkships may be eligible for additional bonus amounts.
When do you hire clerks?
We encourage both future and former clerks to connect with us at any time.
If you are a law student with plans to pursue a clerkship, we recommend completing your term prior to joining us. Contact us at careers@hicksjohnson.com to discuss your plans.
If you are nearing the end of your clerkship term or recently completed it, you can apply for an associate position. Send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to careers@hicksjohnson.com.
After spending two years in Big Law, I was interested in a more adaptive workplace. I was drawn to Hicks Johnson in particular because it felt truly collaborative and committed to helping me grow my own practice.
— Associate Fraser Holmes, Clerk for the Hon. Bridget Bade of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Hon. Sam Sparks of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
As I’ve stayed in touch with Hicks Johnson over the years, I’ve watched the firm grow in new and exciting ways. Now, I have the opportunity to grow my own practice while contributing to the firm’s momentum. It’s an ideal place to launch a career as a trial lawyer.
— Associate Dave Finkel, Clerk for the Hon. Timothy M. Tymkovich of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and the Hon. Jeffrey V. Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
I came to Hicks Johnson because I wanted the opportunity to practice real litigation. Every year, this firm takes numerous cases to trial.
— Associate Liz Pursley, Clerk for the Hon. Jeffrey V. Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Hicks Johnson 1L Fellowship
The firm offers a three-week summer fellowship to 1Ls who show promise as future leaders in law through their academic, professional, and community endeavors. The fellowship provides a stipend, as well as lodging, in Houston.
Fellows spend three weeks working closely with our legal team on substantive matters. The experience also includes robust educational and social programming, such as after-work events, visits to Houston attractions, lunch and learns with partners, and attendance of external activities (such as depositions and jury trials) alongside firm lawyers. Each fellow is assigned a senior associate “facilitator,” who regularly checks in to resolve any questions or concerns.
Our goal is to show you why a litigation boutique may be the best choice for your career growth. Because we view this fellowship as the first phase of a pipeline to long-term employment at Hicks Johnson, we typically ask fellows to return as 2L summer associates and/or first-year associates once they have successfully completed the program.
Fellows say
The fellowship program is clearly thoughtfully designed, and I enjoyed spending time getting to know the partners. Their lunch and learn case study presentations allowed us to situate our assignments within the firm's overarching body of work.
I deeply appreciated the opportunity to observe a deposition and a jury trial. I picked up a lot of interesting argumentative tricks from watching the opening statements and the cross-examination of the first witness.
This program helped me learn to own my projects and craft thoughtful, polished responses to my supervising partner. Hicks Johnson provides a conducive environment for young lawyers to grow; there is a lot of autonomy, but you are also encouraged to reach out to older colleagues for guidance when needed.
I was able to gain substantive legal writing experience, which is really what I wanted from this program. I greatly appreciated the feedback from the partners, who spoke with me about my work product and ways I can improve.
I most enjoyed learning about actual cases. In law school, we spend a lot of time on appellate decisions, with the trial court determination being a footnote. This experience opened my eyes to what actually happens at the trial court level.
Law Students
Summer Associates
Applicants for our summer associate program should have a thirst for trial and litigation practice, as well as the creativity, intellectual curiosity, and motivation to hit the ground running.
Prepare to dive headfirst into “big case” civil trial practice. Because we rely on lean staffing to maximize flexibility and efficiency, summer associates are integrated into our litigation teams from day one, much like junior associates. You’ll be given substantive assignments—such as drafting motions, preparing deposition questions, and researching strategy memos—that have a real impact on the firm’s success.
Our culture is high-energy, unpretentious, and entrepreneurial. Everyone here genuinely enjoys the practice of law. We also like working together, and dislike bureaucracy and busy work. We trust summer associates to take ownership of issues and cases, committing to their own professional development.
We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Program. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and transcript (as received) to careers@hicksjohnson.com.
Professionals
Paralegals and Staff
Our professional staff is an intrinsic part of the firm’s success. At Hicks Johnson, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of producing high-quality work that reinforces our reputation for outstanding client service. And you’ll get the support you need to pursue rewarding career development opportunities.
We are currently seeking a paralegal to join our team. View the job description and application instructions.
Project Assistants
As part of our commitment to early, effective mentorship, we invite recent college graduates who are taking a “gap year” while considering law school to work with us full time for 1-2 years. In addition to providing a front-row seat to a career in trial law, our project assistant initiative helps participants with the law school application process and, ultimately, points the way to a successful legal career.
Staff say
The firm places a huge value on personal relationships. Everyone's unique gifts are appreciated.
The tone is set at the top—our partners work hard, but they really care about people. They always take time to check in on families and personal issues.
People at Hicks Johnson are honest, ethical, and kind. They prioritize doing good work, and they value authenticity.
On the Right Track: From BigLaw to Boutique
Partner Persis Dean joined Hicks Johnson in 2015 after six years as in-house counsel for Exxon Mobil Corporation and three at Vinson & Elkins. Now, she is poised to help lead the firm through its most rapid growth period yet. Dean discusses what it's like to be a working parent in corporate law, her approach to mentoring, and the benefits of boutique firm life.
Read Persis' story
Is a Boutique Litigation Firm Right for You?
Top law students are faced with a plethora of choices. In addition to the traditional on-campus interviews (or their Zoom equivalents) by Big Law recruiting departments, a growing number of boutique litigation firms are offering competitive packages—including top-tier salaries and benefits—to prospective summers and first-years. Hicks Johnson hiring partner Adam Dinnell talks candidly about the pros and cons of boutique firm life.
Hear more from Adam